Microbiology Manager

Position Purpose: This position oversees the microbiology laboratory as well as has responsibility for the following programs:  environmental testing, microbiological shelf life, and pest control.    Summary of Responsibilities:.   The Microbiology Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of the microbiology laboratory as well as the execution of our environmental testing and microbiological shelf life programs.  This position will interpret result data and make recommendations based on these test results. This position will also provide technical assistance to other departments as required.   This person shall exemplify the Sandridge Core Values at all times (Integrity/Ethics, Always Improving, Caring Employee Environment, Excellence in Reputation and Responsive Customer Service).     Key Specific Responsibilities:   Manage a QA Research Technician, the Microbiology Lab and the Micro Technician(s).  Monitor their daily routine and progress against goals.  Assure they are fully utilized. Ensure that all Environmental Monitoring is performed and trended. Identify negative trending and provide best practice guidance / suggestions for corrective actions. Design and execute validations of new products, equipment, processes, and/or procedures to confirm microbiological and food safety standards are achieved. Responsible for ingredient risk assessments and provides input on ingredient and / or supplier approvals.  Performs supplier audits when required. Partner with QA and Sanitation in the development and implementation of food safety, good laboratory practices, microbiological monitoring, and sanitation training. Partner with Sanitation in developing solutions to environmental and sanitary design issues. Assumes responsibility for the Sandridge internal audit program and trains the audit team. Oversees integrated pest management program and monitors performance of the IPM provider Takes responsibility for special situation investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans as they pertain to food safety and/or microbiological issues. Coordinates the lab proficiency testing program Responsible for monitoring lab spending and staying within budgeted amounts.  Review and approve laboratory expenditures, including outside lab testing, shipping, and supply orders. Develop and issue accurate technical reports being published to include spreadsheets, special projects, and any research. Develop best practices in Food Safety and QA processes, procedures, and training programs as required or appropriate. Manage microbiological shelf life program and make recommendations based on result data. Provide recommendations on ingredient shelf life and extensions as appropriate or requested. Coaches, evaluates performance, and develops direct reports. Any other duties as assigned       Summary of Authority Granted To This Position:   The person in this role will work directly with appropriate SFC employees and management regarding all production issues relative to food safety and quality, as directed by the Vice President of Food Safety and Quality.   Position Competencies   Work effectively as an individual contributor and manage a team of direct reports.  Ability to identify, define and analyze problems to find root causes and identify possible solutions. Adapt to often changing priorities Excellent verbal and written communication skills Shared information must be accurate, well-organized, and easy to understand Must be detail oriented Be self-disciplined and highly motivated, with a passion for excellence Ability to collect relevant information, identify trends and patterns, and communicate them to all levels of the organization including any recommended actions or suggestions.   Measurements of Performance:   Corporate Key Performance Indicators (Environmental Monitoring results, and SQF and Internal Audit results) and the effectiveness of associated corrective actions and / or improvement activities will be utilized as a method to measure individual performance, among others.   Essential Functions:   Ability to work in fluctuating temperature environments of refrigeration and non-refrigeration Refrigerated Temperatures are as follows: Process rooms: 40 to 55 F Coolers:  32 to 40 F Freezers: -20 to 32 F Blast Freezers: -15 to 0 F Non-Refrigerated Room Temperatures 55 to 85 F or more Ability to lift or move various products and or items ranging in weight from 25 to 50 pounds Exemplify the Company’s Core Values with each day’s activities throughout all shifts   Qualifications for Position:   BS degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Biology, or a related field with an emphasis on Microbiology.  MS preferred. 5 years of leadership experience in food safety/compliance and laboratory management with a USDA/FSIS or FDA regulated Ready-to-Eat establishment.  2 years with MS. Experience with Ready-To-Eat Refrigerated products and manufacturing. Experience with managing HACCP and FSMA programs Experience with GFSI standards and audits Knowledge of microbiological methods and method qualification Knowledge of food and water microbiology to support microbiological risk assessments and food safety Understanding of physical and chemical microbial control procedures and effect on food. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation and chemistry of cleaning (CIP, COP, dry cleaning methods), sanitary design of equipment and facilities, food microbiology and pest control Working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices. PCQI certification